Sinker for Fishing

ABSTRACT

A sinker or float that releasably clamps around a line, such as a fishing line, including two members shaped to define a channel for the line when in a closed position. A locking means is provided to releasably lock the two members in the closed position. Each of the members has at least a portion of high or low density material to provide a sinking or floating effect. A jacket may be provided that retains the high or low density material therein. The jacket may also include a hinge portion such that the two members can be hingedly opened and closed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to sinkers, and moreparticularly to releasable sinkers used on fishing lines.

BACKGROUND ART

[Mere reference to background art herein should not be construed as anadmission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in relationto the invention.]

Sinkers are high density weights used in fishing attached to a fishingline to force a line with a hook, lure, and/or bait to sink in water.Sinkers are also used in some cases to increase the distance that afishing line may be cast. Sinkers come a variety of different shapes andsizes, including generally spherically, cylindrical, and conical shapes.

To enable sinkers to be fastened to the line, a bore is typicallyprovided in the sinker through which the line traverses, and then theline is typically tied off. A disadvantage of this method of fasteningthe sinker to the line is that it is relatively complex to apply. Yet afurther disadvantage is that if a sinker is to be removed or replaced,it is usually easier to cut the line than it is to untie the line andremove/replace the sinker. This is inconvenient, time consuming, andalso unnecessarily uses up fishing line as the cut portion is wasted.

Sinkers are sometimes provided with a wedge shaped cut which receivesthe line, but to prevent the sinker from coming free of the line it isnecessary to crimp the sinker around the line using a tool. Althoughthis assists in applying a sinker to a line, it does not help withremoving a sinker from a line, and also means the sinker is notreusable. Still further, this method normally attaches the sinker to theline at the location of the crimping meaning that the sinker can nolonger “run” along the line and, in some cases, the crimping action candamage or weaken the line, sometimes leading to line breakages.

Similar disadvantages are known for fishing line floats and, it is adisadvantage that fishers usually have to carry both sinkers and floatsseparately even through the methods of attaching, removing and replacingfloats are fundamentally similar to that for sinkers (e.g. attachingaround a line).

It is an aim of this invention to provide an improved sinker for fishingwhich overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages orproblems described above, or which at least provides a usefulalternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a sinkeror float that releasably clamps around a line, comprising:

two members shaped to define a channel for the line when in a closedposition, each member comprising at least a portion of high or lowdensity material (to provide a sinking or floating effect respectively);and

a locking means for releasably locking the two members in the closedposition.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a sinker orfloat that releasably clamps around a line, comprising:

two members, wherein at least one of the members has a raised portionand the other member a corresponding recessed portion for receiving theraised portion when the two members are in a closed position, and whenin the closed position an inner surface of at least one of the membersis shaped to define a channel for the line;

the members each substantially comprising a portion of high or lowdensity material (to provide a sinking or floating effect respectively)and having a jacket of a different material that retains the high or lowdensity material and comprises a locking means for releasably lockingthe two members in the closed position.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a sinkeror float that releasably clamps around a line, comprising:

two hinged members, wherein at least one of the members has a raisedportion and the other member a corresponding recessed portion forreceiving the raised portion when the two hinged members are in a closedposition, and when in the closed position an inner surface of at leastone of the members is shaped to define a channel for the line;

the hinged members each substantially comprising a portion of high orlow density material (to provide a sinking or floating effectrespectively) and having a jacket of a different material that retainsthe high or low density material and comprises a locking means forreleasably locking the two hinged members in the closed position.

The jacket preferably substantially covers at least the outer surface ofthe high or low density material, and is preferably made of plastic. Thejacket may cover the outer surfaces of the high or low density materialin its entirety when in the closed position, or may complete encase thehigh or low density material. This not only protects the high or lowdensity material, but also prevents the elements from the high or lowdensity material (e.g. if the high or low density material is consideredtoxic, or the like). Alternatively, the high or low density material mayhave a further cover or coating. The jacket, encasement, cover, and/orcoating of the high or low density material may be applied byovermoulding or powerdercoating, or the like.

The jacket may be coloured and/or have branding or advertising stamped,moulded, affixed, or printed on/in it (this list is not exhaustive andit is envisaged that other methods of applying branding or advertisingcould also be used).

The jacket may be shaped to receive and retain the high or low densitymaterial, or may have apertures to receive a corresponding portion ofthe high or low density material to retain the high or low densitymaterial within the jacket. Preferably, the jacket is shaped to alignthe high or low density material in a particular orientation. Forexample, the jacket may have a protrusions such as a rib that isreceived by a corresponding recess in the high or low density material,and/or the jacket may be asymmetrical.

Preferably, the high or low density material can be removed, changed,and replaced in the jacket, but it is also envisaged that the high orlow density material may be affixed in the jacket. The jacket may beresilient so that the high or low density material is easily placed andsubsequently retained in the jacket. Furthermore, the jacket may betemporarily deformable to facilitate removal of the high or low densitymaterial.

The jacket will typically have a pair of corresponding openings(normally an opening on each jacket portion which) with each of the pairon opposed sides of the jacket and the openings aligned with the channelin the high or low density material block. These openings may be adaptedto lightly grip the line when it extends through the openings in orderto positively locate the sinker relative to the line and maintain itsposition or the openings may be spaced from the line to allow a freerunning sinker.

The locking means preferably comprises a tab on at least one of themembers that clips onto or into a corresponding portion of the othermember. The tab may also comprise an opening or slit that receives aprotrusion of the other member. The tab will normally have a shoulderportion which engages with a corresponding portion of the opening orslit. The locking means may be opened or disengaged by manipulation ofthe locking means (which as it will typically be made of plastic, willnormally have a small degree of resilience).

Preferably, each member has a raised portion and the other member acorresponding recessed portion for receiving the raised portion when thetwo members are in a closed position and, even more preferably, theraised and recessed portions extend substantially along the length ofthe high or low density material portion of the members. Furthermore, itis preferable that the raised and recessed portions of each member areadjacent the channel.

The channel may be straight and/or sized to provide minimal frictionbetween the channel and the line, or may be shaped and/or sized toincrease the friction. The channel may even have a restricted, or‘clamping’ portion to provide considerable friction between the channeland the line. The characteristics of the channel therefore control howthe sinker/float interacts with the line. For example, with a straightchannel that is larger than the line, the sinker/float will freelytraverse the line (e.g. if a sinker is clamped around a line, the sinkerwill run down the line without the line having to be removed or reeledin). In contrast, with a channel that is a tight fit on the line (orshaped in a manner to prevent free movement of the line), thesinker/float will be locked at the position on the line that it isapplied to.

Typically, in the case of a sinker, the high density material is lead.This is not to be regarded as limiting however, and the high densitymaterial could be any suitable material including tin, bismuth, steel,tungsten-nickel alloy, and tungsten filled nylon. The low densitymaterial on the other hand, may include not only low density materials(such as polystyrene), but also hollow members such as a flotationchamber, or a hollow plastic member.

Preferably, the two hinged members are hinged by a flexible or resilientportion of the jacket. The hinge is preferably a live hinge and mayeither protrude externally or be recessed. Alternatively, the hinge maybe a different part or material.

Preferably, the sinker/float is reusable. To remove the sinker/float thelocking means is disengaged and the sinker/float is removed from theline. As no part of the sinker/float is substantially deformed afteruse, it can be reapplied to a line as it first was.

The sinker/float may be used in either commercial or domesticapplications and can be sized accordingly. The size of the sinker/floatis therefore not to be regarded as limiting.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put intopractice, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by wayof example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sinker (or float) in an openposition with a line passing through it.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the sinker in FIG. 1 in theclosed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the sinker in FIG. 1 inthe closed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the sinker in FIG. 1 inthe closed position.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front elevation view of the sinker in FIG. 1 inthe closed position.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side elevation view of the sinker in FIG. 1 in theclosed position.

FIG. 5C illustrates a rear elevation view of the sinker in FIG. 1 in theclosed position.

FIG. 5D illustrates a top plan view of the sinker in FIG. 1 in theclosed position.

FIG. 5E illustrates a bottom plan view of the sinker in FIG. 1 in theclosed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of the sinker in FIG. 1 in theopen position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the sinker in FIG. 1 inthe open position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section view of the sinker in FIG. 1 in theclosed position.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a sinker according to a differentembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 illustrates a sinker 10 in an open position that can releasablyclamp around a line 11. The sinker 10 (or float, but hereinafterreferred to primarily as a sinker only) comprises two members, an upperhalf 12 and a lower half 13. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to8, the halves 12 and 13 are hinged about point 14 such that the twohalves 12 and 13 can open, receive a line 11, and close around or on theline 11 (e.g. as seen in FIG. 2).

Each of the halves 12 and 13 comprise an inner 15 made of a high or lowdensity material. The density of the inner material 15 largelydetermines whether the sinker 10 sinks of floats in water. For example,if the inner material 15 is high density (e.g. lead) the sinker 10 willsink in water, and if the inner material 15 is low density (e.g. afloatation chamber or hollow plastic member) the ‘sinker’ 10 willinstead be a float (although this is referred to as a ‘sinker’, nolimitation is meant thereby).

Each half 12 and 13 also has a jacket 16 that receives and retains theinner material 15. The jacket 16 is preferably made of plastic, or anyother suitable material, such that the halves 12 and 13 are hinged atpoint 14 by a flexible or resilient portion of the jacket 16. The jacket16 may be made entirely of a flexible or resilient material, oralternatively, only the hinged point 14 may be flexible or resilient.The hinge is preferably a live hinge and may either protrude externally,or be recessed (as shown in the figures).

The jacket 16 also has a locking means in the form of a tab 17 on theupper half 12 that locks with a corresponding portion 18 on the lowerhalf. The locking tab 17 has an aperture 19 which receives a protrusion20 on the corresponding portion 18 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and FIG. 8.It is envisaged that other locking means could also be implemented, suchas a locking tab without an aperture that engages with a lip or edge onthe lower half, or a hook, latch, twisted tie, etc.

The jacket has apertures, or eyelets, 21 that receive a correspondingportion of the inner material 15 and retain the material 15 within thejacket 16. The jacket 16 also referably is shaped to align the innermaterial 15. This is shown as an indentation in FIG. 8, and also as aridge 22 in FIG. 9 that is received by a corresponding depression 23 inthe inner material 15 (although FIG. 9 is for a different embodimentthis feature could also apply to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 8).

Each of the halves 12 and 13 have a raised portion 24 which is receivedby a corresponding recessed portion 25 when the sinker 10 is in theclosed position (this is best illustrated in FIG. 8). When the twohalves 12 and 13 are in the closed position, the inner surface of thetwo halves 12 and 13 defines a channel 26 through which the line 11passes (also best illustrated in FIG. 8). The raised and recessedportions 24 and 25 are adjacent the channel 26 to facilitate aligningthe line 11 with the channel 26, and also to prevent the line 11 fromwedging in the channel 26.

A further advantage of the raised and recessed portions 24 and 25 isthat they provide the sinker 10 with more support and strength in theclosed position. For example, any force applied to one half is spreadacross the hinge 14, the locking tab 17, and the raised and recessedportions 24 and 25, as opposed to just the hinge 14, the locking tab 17.As the hinge 14 and locking tab 17 are made of plastic, the addedstrength/support of the raised and recesses portions 24 and 25 cantherefore be significant.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, 5D, 5E, and 9 a surface 27 is providedon which branding or advertising can be stamped, moulded, printed, orattached to. An example with branding present is illustrated in FIG. 9.Furthermore, the jacket 16 may be coloured and/or textured to provide aparticular look and feel sinker, other than could usually be providedwith a standard single material sinker, such as those made of lead. Forexample, the jacket 16 may be coloured to indicate different size orweight sinkers, and may be textured to provide additional grip to theoperator.

Illustrated in FIG. 9 is a different embodiment of the invention. Theembodiment in FIG. 9 doesn't have a hinge or hinged portion 14, andinstead is in two discrete halves which clip together. Other than havingan addition locking means instead of a hinge, the embodiment in FIG. 9is very similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8. It can be realisedfrom FIG. 9 that the inner material 15 can be removed from the jacket 16and replaced relatively easily. The inner material 15 is aligned by theridge 22 and depression 23. The area surrounding the apertures 21 of thejacket 16 are temporarily deformed (pushed back) to allow the innermaterial 15 to pass and then return to their original position holdingthe inner material 15 in place. The inner material may have indentations28 which correspond with the portion of the jacket 16 surrounding theapertures 21, the indentations 28 aid to enable engagement of the innermaterial 15 by the jacket 16.

Although the only view of the inner material 15 separated from thejacket 16 is shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, this is not to beregarded as limiting as the inner material 15 could also be removed fromthe jacket 16 shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 8 in a similarmanner. The removal and replacement of the inner material 15 allows notonly replacement of the inner material if it gets damaged (e.g.corroded), but also allows the nature of the sinker 10 to be changed byinserting a different inner material 15. For example, the inner material15 could be easily changed from a high density material to a low densitymaterial, or vice versa.

In use, the sinker 10 of the invention can quickly and easily be placedon a line 11 by opening the sinker 10 (if it is closed), placing theline 11 in the channel 26, closing the sinker 10, and using the sinker10 as desired. Then, to remove the sinker, the sinker 10 is opened andremoved from the line 11. No cutting, tying, or alteration of the lineis necessary to apply or remove the sinker 10. Furthermore, the sinker10 is completely reusable. The sinker can even be applied when the lineis in use. For example, if the bait is moving with current, a sinker 10can be added to the line above water and it will run down the line tothe trace.

Although the sinker 10 has typically been explained with use to beingapplied around a line, it is also envisaged that the sinker 10 could beconstructed so that it is applied onto the line (i.e. does not move onthe line). This could be effected by changing the diameter or layout ofthe channel, or by adding a clamping, or restricted portion.

The sinker 10 may be scaled up or down to match any appropriatesituation, including both commercial and/or domestic applications. Thesize of the sinker 10 can be altered to accommodate different lines, andor suit the sinker 10 for different applications. The materialsdescribed above are not to be regarded as limiting as other suitablematerials that are readily available could also be used.

It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The foregoing embodiments are intended to be illustrative of theinvention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capableof being practised with various modifications and additions as willreadily occur to those skilled in the art.

Throughout this specification, including the claims, where the contextpermits, the term “comprise” and variants thereof such as “comprises” or“comprising” are to be interpreted as including the stated integer orintegers without necessarily excluding any other integers.

1. A sinker or float that releasably clamps around a line, comprising:two members shaped to define a channel for the line when in a closedposition, each member comprising at least a portion of high or lowdensity material (to provide a sinking or floating effect respectively);and a locking means for releasably locking the two members in the closedposition.
 2. A sinker or float according to claim 1, wherein the twomembers are hingedly engaged.
 3. A sinker or float according to claim 1or 2, further comprising a jacket that retains the high or low densitymaterial.
 4. A sinker or float according to claim 3, wherein the lockingmeans is integral with the jacket.
 5. A sinker or float according toclaim 3 or 4, wherein the jacket hingedly retains the high or lowdensity material.
 6. A sinker or float according to any one of claims 3to 5, wherein the jacket is resilient.
 7. A sinker or float according toany one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the jacket is shaped to align the highof low density material retained therein in a particular orientation. 8.A sinker or float according to claim 7 wherein the jacket includes analigning protrusion that is received by a corresponding recess in thehigh or low density material.
 9. A sinker or float according to any oneof claims 3 to 8, wherein the high or low density material is retainedwithin the jacket by one or more apertures that engage withcorresponding portions of the high or low density material.
 10. A sinkeror float according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein thelocking means comprises a resilient tab associated with one of themembers that clips onto, or into, a corresponding tab receiving portionassociated with the other member.
 11. A sinker or float according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the members has araised portion and the other a corresponding recessed portion, whereinthe corresponding recessed portion is adapted to receive the raisedportion when the two members are in the closed position.
 12. A sinker orfloat according to claim 11, wherein each member has both a raisedportion and a corresponding recessed portion, wherein the recessedportions are adapted to receive respective raised portions.
 13. A sinkeror float according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the raised portion(s) andrecessed portion(s) are adjacent the channel.
 14. A sinker or floataccording to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the raised portion(s)and recessed portion(s) extend substantially the length of the high orlow density material portions of the members.
 15. A sinker or floataccording to any preceding claim, wherein the high or low densitymaterial is removable.
 16. A sinker or float according to any precedingclaim, wherein the channel is substantially straight.
 17. A sinker orfloat that releasably clamps around a line, comprising: two members,wherein at least one of the members has a raised portion and the othermember a corresponding recessed portion for receiving the raised portionwhen the two members are in a closed position, and when in the closedposition an inner surface of at least one of the members is shaped todefine a channel for the line; wherein the members comprise a portion ofhigh or low density material (to provide a sinking or floating effectrespectively); and a jacket of a different material that retains themembers and comprises a locking means for releasably locking the twomembers in the closed position.
 18. A sinker or float according to claim17, wherein the jacket further comprises a hinge means that hingedlyengages the retained members.
 19. A sinker or float according to anypreceding claim, wherein the sinker or float is reusable.